independent film

Check out the story of two transgender prostitutes or duck gunfire from Mexican drug cartels. This week's selections from Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics take you to many different worlds.

Cynthia Haines

Amy, R

Searing documentary about singer Amy Winehouse

Tangerine, R

Dramedy about two transgender prostitutes in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve

Follow the downward spiral of singer Amy Winehouse or fight Argentinian mercenaries this weekend-- but do it from the comfort of an air-conditioned movie theater. Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics can steer you to the right vicarious adventure this weekend.

You can go back in time with Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman or stay in the present with a group of teenagers facing a serious issue. Whatever your preference, Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics have options for your weekend film-viewing.

Whether you're in the mood for a senior citizen romance or set on a journey to the 17th century, Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics can help you navigate the many movie listings to find one that fits you.

Delve into the story of two geeky filmmakers who suddenly confront something very serious, and get a view into the the French court of the 17th century. Whatever your tastes, our indie, foreign and documentary film critics have quite a selection for your holiday weekend.

A Hollywood idol filled the spotlight but had to hide his feelings from the world, and a widow discovers she can turn over a new leaf. Emotions swell in Up to Date's indie, documentary and foreign film critics' choices this week. Whether you need a good cry or a hearty laugh, they've got a suggestions for you.

A French policeman tries to vanquish a drug ring and a computer programmer finds himself drawn into a surreal world in the films Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics are watching this week. Explore these and the others on their lists this week:

The mysterious disappearance of an Iranian teacher intrigued Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics this week, and just as a new Thomas Hardy adaptation has delighted them. To see what drew them to theater, try one of their picks for yourself.

Cynthia Haines

About Elly, not rated

A mysterious young Iranian teacher disappears during a weekend by the sea.

From a nonagenarian with style to an independent Victorian lady, films on area screens this week have a wide variety of topics. Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics can help you navigate the many movie listings to find one that fits you.

Cynthia Haines

Ex Machina, R

A computer programmer is hired to test a new form of artificial intelligence.

Get the inside look at Beach Boy Brian Wilson's journey from stardom to slump and back again, and go base jumping with a crew of adventurous souls. Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics know that the weekend is about more than sunshine, so take refuge from those ever-rumbling thunderstorms with any of the films they discussed this week.

Explore the story behind the mysterious gnome houses that appeared along a local walkway, and get the inside scoop on a special group of studio musicians. These stories and more are appearing on local screens this weekend, and our indie, foreign and documentary film critics know which ones are worth the ticket price.

Thunderclouds might be creating a scary tableaux outside, but on the silver screen you can choose a different backdrop. Try a suggestion fromUp to Date's indie, foreign and documentary critics this weekend.

If you want to catch a flick in Kansas City, there are plenty of options. You could stream movies from your own couch, or venture out to a multiplex for an IMAX screen experience. We explore what keeps so many Kansas Citians going to smaller, independent movie theaters.

This weekend has it all: rain, Royals and a whole slate of films for you to try. Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary critics have some suggestions to guide your appointment with the silver screen:

In a new twist on classic horror films, a sexually transmitted demon stalks a group of Detroit teenagers in It Follows. This is just one of the plots our critics review in a roundup of independent, foreign, and documentary film.

Among the other plots discussed is a young woman in the center of a love triangle, personal stories of vengeance in Argentina, and a British soldier abandoned on the streets of Belfast following a riot.

Thunderclouds have been gathering in the skies, so you might need a few rainy day activities for your weekend. Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics might have just the thing to start off your spring.

This story is part of True/False Conversations, a series of in-depth interviews with the filmmakers of this year’s True/False Fest. Find the rest of them here or download the podcast on iTunes.

Back in 2008 filmmaker Ed Cunningham heard a strange story on the news about a man who bought a barbecue smoker at an auction and found a severed human leg inside. A legal battle ensued between the finder of the foot and the man it once belonged to.

This story is part of True/False Conversations, a series of in-depth interviews with the filmmakers of this year’s True/False Festival. Find the rest of them here or download the podcast on iTunes.

83-year-old artist Peter Anton was only known in his community of East Chicago before filmmakers Dan Rybicky and Aaron Wickenden stumbled into his life. The film “Almost There” follows Anton as the filmmakers become his caretakers and advocates for his art exhibit, which quickly becomes controversial.

In two of the films Up to Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics discuss, vampires dress up for nightclubs, and the Irish fairytale legend of the selkies comes to life. We also shine a light on the experience of living with Alzheimer's disease and what it's like to deal with Russian bureaucracy.